Detectives have arrested a Kibabii University student suspected of coordinating a KCSE examination cheating syndicate. John Odhiambo Opiyo was arrested in Bungoma after investigators allegedly traced the sharing of examination papers to him. Police recovered a mobile phone suspected to have been used to circulate the papers. The suspect is being held at Bungoma Police Station as detectives prepare an inventory of the recovered evidence.
The arrest was made as candidates across the country began their theory papers on Monday. Investigators also reported suspected examination malpractice in Garissa and Wajir, where efforts to identify those involved were ongoing. Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba said this year’s KCSE candidature had surpassed one million for the first time. Registrations had increased by 5.27 per cent compared with 2025.
According to Ogamba, arrangements were in place to facilitate the examinations across more than 10,000 centres. This year’s candidates form the second-last KCSE cohort under the 8-4-4 education system. The examinations are taking place amid heightened security measures to prevent malpractice.
In Bomet County, three candidates sat their examinations in hospital, including a girl who delivered a baby on Monday morning, hours before taking her English paper. Bomet Education Director Leornard Ngugi said the candidates were being accommodated at Longisa Mother and Child Hospital, Kaplong Hospital and Tenwek Hospital.
Authorities in North Eastern outlined security and transport arrangements to ensure examination materials reach centres facing logistical and security challenges. Regional Education Director Mohammed Roble said materials would be transported by road where possible, with helicopters deployed in areas affected by insecurity.
Security was heightened at Hagadera, Ifo and Dagahaley refugee camps in Dadaab to support uninterrupted examinations. Fafi Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Munga said a helicopter had been provided to deliver and collect examination materials along a route presenting transport challenges.
In Narok County, education officials raised concerns over the possible use of smartwatches to facilitate cheating. County Education Director Peter Magiri urged school heads to provide wall clocks so candidates could keep track of time during the papers. Meanwhile, candidates from Sessi and St. Mary’s Mixed schools in Moyale, Marsabit County, were relocated to safer examination venues following reports of insecurity along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
Key points
- A Kibabii University student was arrested in connection with a KCSE exam cheating syndicate.
- Over 1 million candidates are sitting this year’s KCSE exams.
- Security measures have been heightened to prevent examination malpractice.
